Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer makes brutally honest declaration on facing criticism for 2-4 start appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer took accountability Thursday for the team’s 2-4 start, saying the Cowboys have earned some of the criticism coming their way.
The second-year coach spoke with reporters as Dallas prepares for a Monday Night Football showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles. His comments follow back-to-back losses to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers.
Schottenheimer also pointed to growing up as the son of Marty Schottenheimer, who spent 21 seasons as an NFL head coach with the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders and San Diego Chargers. He said that upbringing taught him scrutiny comes with the job.
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The remarks arrive at a pivotal moment for Schottenheimer, who holds a 9-13-1 record through his first 23 games as Dallas’ head coach.
ESPN’s Todd Archer took to X, formerly Twitter, to share Schottenheimer’s full message on handling the criticism through the Cowboys’ rocky start to the 2026 season.
Brian Schottenheimer on dealing with the criticism through the Cowboys’ 2-4 start:
“I think it comes with the territory. I think some of it is deserved. We’ve got to play better. I’ve got to coach better. When you grow up in a family that your dad's a head coach for over 20…
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) October 22, 2026
After the Packers loss, Schottenheimer said the effort and fight were right but mistakes were killing the team, noting five turnovers in two games.
He now says the fix has to come from both the players and the coaching staff. Schottenheimer said the Cowboys need to play better and he needs to coach better. He added that some of the outside noise reaches him because his job requires him to speak with the media.
The Cowboys’ 53-year-old head coach said no one likes it, but he blocks out most of it. He also said he has strong shoulders and keeps his attention on what this team can accomplish.
Dallas entered 2026 after back-to-back seven-win seasons, hoping to establish itself as an NFC East contender.
The Cowboys visit the 2-4 Eagles to close out Week 7 on Monday Night Football next Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET (5:15 p.m. PT) at Lincoln Financial Field, aiming to avoid the second three-game losing streak of Schottenheimer’s tenure.
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